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Science News for April 30, 2024


A model estimates the cultivable space at photovoltaic plants, to combine agricultural and photovoltaic production

A team at the University of Córdoba has developed a methodology that defines cultivable space between two-axis photovoltaic modules for agrivoltaic production. The model reveals 74% of land is cultivable by crops less than 1.4m high, offering a sustainable energy and agricultural solution.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalApplied Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Low-intensity grazing is locally better for biodiversity but challenging for land users, a new study shows

A new study found that low-intensity grazing systems offer benefits for local biodiversity protection, but struggle due to inflexible regulations and a lack of workforce. Land users face economic constraints and restrictive policies, leading to declining participation in sustainable practices.

Cover paper: Senescent characteristics of human corneal endothelial cells upon UV-A exposure

Researchers investigate senescence phenotypes of human corneal endothelial cells upon treatment with ultraviolet (UV)-A. Cells exhibit enlarged morphology, increased β-galactosidase activity and decreased proliferation. UV-A-induced senescent cells show similar gene expression profiles to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Polar-coordinate line-projection light-curing continuous 3D printing for ultra-thin multi-material tubular structures

Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technology that can print multi-material tubular structures as thin as 50 micrometers. The technology, called Polar-coordinate Line-projection Light-curing Production (PLLP), uses a rotating mandrel and patterned light illumination to create complex structures.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 30, 2024

New drug candidate reverses obesity in mice

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new class of drugs that block mitochondrial function and reverse diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes in mice. The treatment increased fat metabolism, leading to drastic weight loss and restored glucose tolerance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Targeting BET and OXPHOS causes synthetic lethality in liver cancer

Researchers discovered that targeting BET and OXPHOS induces synthetic lethality in liver cancer by blunting cell proliferation and tumor growth. The study found that BET inhibition decreases glycolytic gene expression while enhancing mitochondrial glucose and glutamine oxidative metabolism, revealing a critical epigenetic-metabolic cr...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Loneliness grows as we age

A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2024

Breakthrough in complex pain management

Researchers at NeuRA and UniSA found that early detection and comprehensive treatment can lead to significant recovery for most people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) within 12-18 months. The study reviews the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 30, 2024

New clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for Age-related Hearing Loss (ARHL)

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published a new clinical practice guideline for age-related hearing loss, which affects approximately 466 million people worldwide. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for identifying and managing ARHL in patients 50 years and older.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 30, 2024

New findings for a better understanding of TRAF7 syndrome and patient care

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of TRAF7 syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by cardiac, facial, and digital abnormalities. The research highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical assessment and proposes evidence-based guidelines for managing patients with TRAF7-related CAFDADD syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPediatric Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles reveal the importance of phytocompounds and metabolomics analysis

Researchers explore plant-based therapeutic compounds and traditional Chinese medicine formulas as alternatives to treat IBD, while also developing advanced diagnostic tools using metabolomics analysis. The studies found significant improvements in symptoms of IBD and treatment outcomes for chemotherapy-related toxicity.

SourcePeriodicals Publishing House of Xi'an Jiaotong University·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

New breast cancer screening recommendations aim to address health inequities, especially among Black women

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial breast cancer screenings starting at age 40 for all women, aiming to enhance early detection and tackle disparities. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to screening technologies and addressing gaps in evidence regarding AI-powered image interpretation.

Beneficial effects of traditional Cinese medicine Fuzheng Huayu on the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis b cirrhosis receiving entecavir

A multicenter retrospective cohort study found that combining entecavir with Fuzheng Huayu reduced the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis. The antifibrotic property of FZHY may be attributed to its beneficial effects on this population.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 30, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Uncovering the secret of long-lived stem cells

A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that cyclophilin A helps HSCs retain their regenerative potential by supporting proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of HSCs, which can maintain a relatively youthful profile throughout an organism's life.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

China’s bid to decarbonize may have hidden costs

Decarbonizing China's Southern Power Grid could lead to ecological and sociological trade-offs, including reducing cropland in favor of solar and wind power, impacting river basins like the Salween and Mekong. Building dams for hydropower production would also negatively affect ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024

Let widgeongrass be a weed in the seagrass yard -- making seagrass restoration more resistant to rising temperatures using generalist grasses

New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

New regulator of eating behaviour identified

Researchers have identified a new regulator of eating behavior, the latrophilin 1 receptor, which is linked to obesity. The receptor, primarily studied for its role in synapse formation, was found to be present in brain regions controlling food intake and adipose tissue.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

An omega-6 fatty acid may reduce the risk for bipolar disorder

Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Cars as particles

A mathematical model developed by Alexandre Solon and Eric Bertin describes the movement of particles in situations similar to cars on a road or bacteria attracted to a nutrient source. The model identifies conditions that favor traffic jams, including high vehicle density and driver inertia.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

American College of Lifestyle Medicine announces unique screening tool for clinicians to efficiently assess patient dietary patterns

The ACLM Diet Screener is a 27-item assessment tool that captures a picture of overall diet and includes simple measures understandable for patients. The screener features food categories and pictures to ensure easy understanding by all patients, with nearly 90% of clinicians reporting it's brief enough for clinical use.

Revolutionary 'scLENS' unveiled to decode complex single-cell genomic data

The new 'scLENS' tool overcomes challenges in single-cell transcriptomics by automatically differentiating signals from noise using Random Matrix Theory and Signal robustness test. This innovation significantly improves analysis accuracy and efficiency, enabling researchers to extract biological signals conveniently and automatically.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Purdue-USDA team develops fast-track process for genetic improvement of plant traits

The Purdue-USDA team developed a web-based tool to identify genes regulating plant traits without conducting experiments. The tool uses machine learning to analyze large datasets and accurately predict transcription factors involved in seed oil biosynthesis, increasing oil content by up to 12%.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Religious intolerance predicts science denial

Research suggests that high levels of religious intolerance are associated with a greater likelihood of rejecting scientific findings. Studies have shown that countries and counties with lower levels of religious diversity tend to have lower vaccination uptake and lower scores on standardized tests, such as the PISA.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024

Coal emissions reductions and mortality in China

The implementation of China's National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control resulted in decreased mean daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels between 2013 and 2017. The associated acute health effects on total and circulatory mortality significantly decreased, with a reduced exposure-response relationship observed ...

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024

Study highlights importance of early interventions to combat HIV

Researchers compared HIV reservoirs between patients with early and late treatment initiation. Early treatment was associated with faster decay of virus reservoirs, indicating a more effective immune clearance mechanism. This study supports the potential for early interventions to combat HIV by enabling an eventual cure.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateApr 30, 2024

Lundquist investigator Dr. Ashraf Ibrahim is the lead author in the landmark study on pioneering oral fungal infection treatment showing promise in preclinical trials

A novel oral amphotericin B formulation, MAT2203, has demonstrated encouraging results in treating invasive mucormycosis. The study showed MAT2203 was as effective as the current standard treatment, LAMB, in extending survival time and improving overall health.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2024

Every breath you take: Study models the journey of inhaled plastic particle pollution

A recent study by University of Technology Sydney has modelled the transfer and deposition of plastic particles in the human respiratory system. The results have identified hotspots where plastic particles can accumulate, particularly in the nasal cavity and lungs, posing a risk to respiratory health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Methane emissions from landfill could be turned into sustainable jet fuel in plasma chemistry leap

University of Sydney researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills. This process has the potential to eliminate the need for traditional and sustainable jet fuels, which add further emissions into the atmosphere. By capturing almost the exact co...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Study shows how higher education supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students through culturally relevant courses, programs, and research

A new study by NYU reveals that minority-serving institutions on the East and West Coasts build students' capacities through AA&NHPI focused coursework, teaching and mentoring, advanced research development, and professional community experience. These programs provide critical resources to uplift underrepresented students.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Review of Higher Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 30, 2024

Great strides in the development of high refractive index polymers for optoelectronics

A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Unveiling nature's custodians: groundbreaking study highlights crucial role of scavengers in wetlands

A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 30, 2024

Childcare pick-up: a 1-hour window to build healthier eating habits

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children aged 3-5 consume a significant portion of their daily calories during the hour after picking up from childcare, with high amounts of added sugar and salt. Experts recommend preparing healthy snacks in advance to instill healthier habits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalChildren s Health Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

How the plant world shapes the climate cycle

Researchers have found that plants help regulate the planet's atmosphere by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen, acting as a buffer against rapid climate changes. However, when climate shifts too fast for vegetation to adapt, it can lead to mass extinctions and extreme environmental changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Keeping the noise down for critical patients

A study by Edith Cowan University and Fiona Stanley Hospital found that up to 50% of ICU patients experience sleep disturbance due to noise, which can hinder recovery. The researchers identified potential for medical equipment designers to consider alarm speakers' directivity and reducing volume levels to minimize noise exposure.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·TypeSurvey·DateApr 30, 2024

Should chatbots chime in on climate change?

Researchers found that chatbots like ChatGPT can provide accurate information on climate change-related topics, but not all responses are reliable. The study compared the chatbots' answers to hazard risk indices generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found more accuracy with tropical storms than droughts.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024

A new anticoagulant with no risk of bleeding

A new anticoagulant with on-demand reversible activity has been developed by a team from UNIGE and the University of Sydney. This breakthrough offers a more reliable and easier-to-use option for surgical procedures, reducing the risk of serious bleeding associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateApr 30, 2024

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare providers regarding halal pharmaceuticals

A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateApr 30, 2024

Mass General Brigham researchers identify potential drivers of chronic allergic inflammation

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified Th2-multipotent progenitor (Th2-MPP) cells, which may play a crucial role in sustaining type 2 inflammation and contribute to disease symptoms. These findings provide potential targets for therapeutic interventions and lay the groundwork for future disease-modifying approaches.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Climate change lengthens and intensifies the blooming of the holm oak and other Quercus species

A study by the University of Córdoba finds that climate change is lengthening and intensifying the blooming of holm oak and other Quercus species, resulting in a prolonged and more intense pollen season. This shift has significant implications for allergy sufferers, as they will be more exposed to pollen during longer seasons.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalRegional Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Inexpensive spring truffles or exquisite piedmont truffles?

Scientists develop new analytical method to detect food fraud in truffles, distinguishing between expensive Piedmont and cheaper spring truffles based on two volatile markers. The method uses automated Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation and has low equipment requirements for routine analysis.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Innovation promises to prevent power pole-top fires

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new silicone rubber composite material that can prevent fires and electrical sparking on power poles. This innovation could save power companies time and resources by reducing damage to assets.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Is it time to retire the best-before date?

Researchers have developed a system to detect food contamination, which could save hundreds of billions of dollars globally by reducing food waste. The technology would replace the current 'best before' date system, which often leads to perfectly safe food being wasted.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 30, 2024

Engineered increase in mesophyll conductance improves photosynthetic efficiency in field trial

Researchers engineered increased mesophyll conductance in a model crop, improving CO2 diffusion and uptake. The study showed an 8% increase in photosynthesis in the field, demonstrating potential for improved crop production and sustainable water use.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Discovery of uranium-contaminated soil purification material without secondary environmental pollution

A team at Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed a new material, hexagonal boron nitride, that can efficiently remove uranium from contaminated soil. The research shows that the material can be reused multiple times without causing secondary environmental pollution.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 30, 2024

One-two punch treatment delivers blood cancer knockout

A novel combination of two existing drugs has been discovered to eradicate AML cancer cells in lab-based tests, offering hope for patients diagnosed annually with the disease. The treatment, pairing venetoclax with a STING agonist, showed high promise in AML samples driven by a mutated p53 protein, a type of AML generally harder to treat.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Tsetse fly protein provides anticoagulant with its own on-off switch

Researchers have developed a new anticoagulant with an on-off switch, providing rapid control of bleeding risks in surgery and blood clots. The supramolecular approach combines a tsetse fly protein with a synthetic peptide, allowing for the anticoagulant to be rapidly deactivated by introducing correctly matched strands of free PNA.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Promising personalized approach to liver cancer therapy made possible by DNA-based neoantigen research designed at the Wistar Institute

A new clinical trial demonstrates a novel, personalized neoantigen vaccine therapy showed promising anti-tumor efficacy in patients with liver cancer who failed their original front-line treatment. The therapy induced potent induction of T cell immunity and regressed tumors in preclinical model studies.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2024

Genetic adaptations have impacted the blood compositions of two populations from Papua New Guinea

A new study has identified genetic variants under selection associated with blood-related phenotypes in Papua New Guinean highlanders and lowlanders. The findings show that highlanders have adaptations for lower oxygen availability, while lowlanders have adaptations to combat specific pathogens like malaria.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

Women are 40% more likely to experience depression during the perimenopause

A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that women in the perimenopausal stage are significantly more likely to experience depression. The meta-analysis of seven studies involving over 9,000 women from around the world reveals a 40% increased risk of depressive symptoms during this life-stage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

The carbon emissions of academic astronomy

A recent study found that air travel to professional conferences contributes substantially to academia's carbon emissions, with an estimated 42,500 tCO2e released in 2019. To mitigate this issue, researchers suggest prioritizing venue locations near most participants and exploring virtual meeting solutions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024

Validated rules help prevent overuse of CT scans for diagnosing traumatic head and abdominal injuries in kids

Researchers validated pediatric emergency department guidelines promoting safer CT scan use, finding both predictive rules safe and effective in minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure. The study enrolled thousands of children and adolescents nationwide, showing high accuracy in identifying cases requiring immediate intervention.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

A significant portion of the world’s population continues to trust vaccines, says survey in 23 countries

A survey across 23 countries found that the global population's overall trust in vaccination did not diminish despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges. More than 60% of participants reported increased willingness to get vaccinated for diseases other than COVID-19, suggesting a general openness to vaccination. The study emphasizes the impor...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024